On the first Saturday of this year’s Three Choirs Festival in Hereford, a crowd gathered under perfect skies on the riverbank at Bishop’s Meadow to witness a heartwarming moment in local history—the unveiling of a brand-new statue of Dan the Bulldog, the beloved canine who inspired Sir Edward Elgar’s 11th Enigma Variation.
For over two decades, Dan’s wooden likeness stood quietly on the south bank of the River Wye, commemorating his playful spirit and the musical legacy he helped spark. But years of flooding had left the statue weathered and worn. Thanks to the dedication of the Hereford Guild of Mayor’s Guides, and generous support from Hereford City Council, The Elmley Foundation, and the Herefordshire Community Foundation, Dan has now been reborn in enduring stone.
The new statue, beautifully carved by Cathedral Stonemason Saul Sheldon, was unveiled by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Edward Harley CBE, with dignitaries including the High Sheriff of Herefordshire, the Chair of Herefordshire Council, the Mayor of Hereford, the MP for South Herefordshire, and the Bishop of Hereford in attendance. Members of the Guild shared stories of Elgar’s time in Hereford and Dan’s legendary river antics with George Robertson Sinclair, the Cathedral organist.
Adding to the celebration, primary school children who took part in an art competition depicting Dan and his story were honoured at a prize-giving ceremony in the Town Hall. With 540 entries and 10 prizes awarded across three age categories, proud families watched as the Mayor of Hereford presented awards, followed by Afternoon Tea—complete with Dan the Dog cupcakes!
Dan’s new stone statue now stands proudly in Bishop’s Meadow, a lasting tribute to a dog whose story continues to inspire music, art, and community spirit in Hereford. Thanks to the vision and hard work of the Guild and its supporters, Dan lives on—ready to charm residents, visitors, and Elgar enthusiasts for generations to come.
Follow Dan the Dog’s story on Facebook here.
Images provided by Hereford Guild of Guides.